Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP) "Othello" at Modern Theatre At Suffolk University

Actors’ Shakespeare Project (ASP) announces casting for their first production of the 2015-16 “Affairs of the Heart” season: William Shakespeare’s great tragedy of sweeping passions and murderous jealousy, Othello, September 23- October 25 at The Modern Theatre at Suffolk University, 525 Washington Street, Boston. Preview performances run Wednesday-Friday, September 23-25, 2015 at 7:30 pm. Opening Night is Saturday, September 26 at 8 pm. Performances are Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays, 7:30 pm; Saturdays, 3 pm (not Sept. 26) & 8 pm; and Sundays, 2 pm (Press Performance is Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 8 pm). Tickets are $28-$50 ($15 student rush) and can be purchased at actorsshakespeareproject.org, 866.811.4111, or at the theater, although selection may be limited. Season subscriptions are available online, or via ASP’s Patron Services team at 617.776.2200 x225 or boxoffice@actorsshakespeareproject.org.

Othello is a searing and operatic tale of envy and manipulation, wherein Shakespeare gives us an intimate look into a Machiavellian mind. “Everyone in the world of this play is in some way betrayed by their own assumptions of their place within their relationships,” says Director Bridget Kathleen O’Leary. “The play begins with Othello's betrayal of Iago and continues with Desdemona's betrayal of her father. And it goes on from there."

Adds O’Leary, who is New Repertory Theatre’s Associate Artistic Director and also a lecturer at Northeastern University, “ASP’s production approaches the tale as a tragic story about love, friendship, betrayal--the destructiveness of jealousy and suspicion, and the conflicting ways ambition and trust can impact those in positions of authority.”

The cast features Resident Acting Company Members (RAC) Johnnie McQuarley* (Othello), Jennie Israel* (Emilia), and John Kuntz* (Iago).

Rounding out the cast are Elle Borders (Bianca and Montana), Josephine Elwood (Desdemona), Thomas Grenon (Gratiano, Clown & Duke), Ross MacDonald* (Cassio), and Bari Robinson (Roderigo and Lodovico). The creative team includes Eric Levenson (Set Designer)**, Tyler Kinney (Costume Designer), Chris Brusberg (Lighting Designer), and David Reiffel (Sound Designer)**.